HI plans coaching programme

In an attempt to enhance the skill set of coaches in the country, Hockey India (HI) will organise a high performance coaching programme from September 4 in association with International Hockey Federation (FIH).

“HI has decided to commence the FIH-HI High Performance Coaching Programme in collaboration with FIH, a three-year programme where Indian coaches can obtain up to a Level 3 Certification in coaching,” a HI release stated.

“FIH master coach and FIH coaching and high performance manager, Tayyab Ikram, and FIH Grade 1 coach, Siegfried Aikman, will conduct the first course to commence from September 4 to 10 to coincide with the 2nd Hockey India Junior Men National Championship in Lucknow,” the release added.

HI secretary general, Narinder Batra, said that the programme will help the country’s coaches to gain knowledge and will be beneficial for the overall development of the sport.

“Coaches from all over India will gain knowledge and experience in an international exchange. It will be a learning experience as well as an opportunity to gain Level 3 Certification in this three-year course,” Batra said.

“The participants will be able to transfer their new know- how to other coaches in their states so that coaching standards are improved,” he said.

The programme includes two high performance courses a year and will target the experienced and qualified coaches from all over India.

The programme also includes inputs from top experts and practical coaching sessions, discussions on high performance development, special presentations and contributions from participants.

“We are delighted to assist the Coach Education Programme which intends to develop the coaches with updated and scientific know- how of high performance coaching, an area which needs attention and resources in a country full of talent,” FIH CEO, Kelly Fairweather said. —PTI